COMELEC on raffles and “ayuda-giving”: “It’s going to be for vote buying purposes.”
COMELEC — The Commission on Elections reminded political candidates for the 2022 elections that no more raffles and “ayuda-giving” during the campaign period.
COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez reminded political candidates that raffles will no longer be allowed starting February 8 when the campaign period officially started.
Jimenez said that political candidates holding raffles, as well as giving any form of assistance, were committing “vote buying” during the official campaign period.
According to Jimenez, it’s no longer allowed once the campaign period started.
Jimenez went on by saying that political candidates weren’t allowed to give anything of value to their supporters in order to “encourage them to vote”.
“Bawal naman talaga ‘yan, vote buying ‘yan!” Jimenez said. “So we all know that it’s going to be for vote buying purposes. And unfortunately, in terms of vote buying, you’re going to need your complainant talaga…”
READ ALSO: Comelec Spox James Jimenez Slams Candidate Over Vote-Buying
With this, he called on the public to file a complaint should they witness vote buying activities in their respective area
If political candidates thought that they could get away by calling it “ayuda”, the COMELEC spokesperson said that calling it assistance can’t save them from lawsuits.
Last October, the COMELEC spokesperson took to Twitter to call out an unnamed political candidate who allegedly committed vote buying ahead of the campaign period.
Alam naman natin na hindi pa kayo saklaw ng election laws sa ngayon… Pero kung malakas ka, bakit kailangan mo bumili ng boto? #fightvotebuying
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) October 20, 2021
Meanwhile, Jimenez revealed on Thursday that he will submit his courtesy resignation in order to give Acting Chairman Socorro Inting the opportunity to make the designation herself.
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